Kitap 5
10.87
A conjecture as to a fact is confirmed by argument from something greater in the following sentence: If a man commit sacrilege, he will also commit theft ; from something less, in a sentence such as He who lies easily and openly will commit perjury ; from something equal in a sentence such as He who has taken a bribe to give a false verdict will take a bribe to give false witness.
10.88
Points of law may be proved in a similar manner; from something greater, as in the sentence If it is lawful to kill an adulterer, it is lawful to scourge him ; from something less, If it is lawful to kill a man attempting theft by night, how much more lawful is it to kill one who attempts robbery with violence ; from something equal, The penalty which is just in the case of parricide is also just in the case of matricide. In all these cases we follow the syllogistic method. See III. vi. 15, 43, 88.
10.89
The following type of argument on the other hand is more serviceable in questions turning on definition or quality. See iii. 6. passim. If strength is good for the body, health is no less good. If theft is a crime, sacrilege is a greater crime. If abstinence is a virtue, so is self-control. If the world is governed by providence, the state also requires a government. If a house cannot be built without a plan, what of a whole city? If naval stores require careful supervision, so also do arms.
